Survey on Living as a Migrant in Switzerland

Migration-Mobility Indicators Based on the Migration-Mobility Survey

The aim of the Migration and Mobility survey is to gather information on the living conditions of residents of Switzerland who arrived within the last ten years as well as on their immigration experience.

The first Migration-Mobility Survey was conducted in fall 2016 on a population of persons born abroad and with foreign citizenship who have moved to Switzerland in 2006 or later. To be included in the sample population, respondents had to be between 24 and 64 years of age at the time of the survey, and at least 18 years of age on their arrival in Switzerland. Eleven countries or regions were defined for sampling purposes. A total of 5973 people replied to the full questionnaire, either online or by telephone, representing a response rate of 37.2%.

The following 16 Migration-Mobility Indicators are based on the survey.

Mobilities

Is migration difficult on the logistical level?

Is migration a difficult process on the emotional level?

For what reasons do people migrate to Switzerland?

Do migrants want to remain in Switzerland for a long time?

In how many countries have migrants lived before?

Labor Market

Does migration improve the professional situation?

Did migrants already have an employment contract on their arrival?

Are migrants using their professional skills?

Living Conditions

Are migrants satisfied with their decision to move to Switzerland?

Do migrants manage to put money aside?

Do migrants experience discrimination?

Citizenship

Do migrants want to become naturalized?

Transnationalism

Where do migrants’ closest friends live?

How strong is the attachment to Switzerland and the country of origin?

How is the interest in politics in Switzerland and in the country of origin?

Do migrants often visit their country of origin?

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Note on methodology
The following eleven origin groups were surveyed:

  • Germany
  • Austria
  • France
  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • North America (Canada, USA)
  • India
  • West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo)
  • South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela)